CHAPTER XXI.
A MESSENGER IN HASTE.
The daring escape of the prisoner did not tend to improve the temper of Capt.

Asbury, and he indulged in a number of emphatic expressions, during which Monteith Sterry was dignified enough to hold his peace.
But the leader of the stockmen quickly recovered his self-poise and accepted the matter as one of the peculiar incidents liable to take place at any time.
His version of the difficulty with the rustlers differed from that given by Vesey.

They rode up to the house, not knowing who dwelt there, and were received with a shot, which, fortunately, did no damage.

Duke Vesey was at the rear, near the structure in which the horses were stabled, when he hurriedly mounted and dashed off, just as he had recently done.

He did not make a fight like his companion, who, as was represented, stood his ground.